Bluemar Managing director Dr Shaun Meares has taken on a new venture, being officially sworn in as the new president of the Esperance Chamber of Commerce and Industry during a committee meeting on December 6. Since moving to the region and establishing the business four years ago, Dr Meares’ engineering consultancy has gone from strength to strength and now employs six locally-based engineers. The company have also taken out a number of awards at the Chamber’s annual presentations, including ‘Best New Business’ in 2016 and ‘Best Small Business’ the following year. Related stories: Dr Meares joined the Esperance Chamber of Commerce and Industry two years ago, drawn to the organisation for the role it played as a voice for businesses in the region. Following his appointment as president of the Chamber’s Executive Committee, Dr Meares said he was enthusiastic and saw the role as a privilege. “The president role is a privilege,” he said. “Members use the Chamber of Commerce to network, share information, and collectively address issues that affect business and the ongoing economic prosperity of the region. “I’m lucky to be part of a strong executive team with a diverse set of skills and I want the Esperance Chamber of Commerce to continue to provide relevant business networking opportunities, strengthen regional businesses, and be a hub for business information within the region.” With existing executives maintaining their position on the committee, including Pink Lake IGA owner and former president Ron Chambers, Dr Meares said he was grateful to be working alongside experienced members that could provide support. With businesses in the region reporting internal challenges, Dr Meares said the committee were dedicated to developing tailored strategies to assist. “Local businesses are reporting internal challenges such as staffing and marketing, as well as external factors like changes in consumer spending habits and changes to the way that their industries operate,” he said. “The new executive committee will be forming strategies to target these challenges. “Strong businesses provide jobs, opportunities for education and training, and support local clubs and programs. “It is critically important to have a strong business community.” Vice president and Compass Conveyancing director Meredith Schilling said the committee would hold their first general meeting in early February and planned to meet on a more regular basis

Esperance Chamber of Commerce welcome new chair

New role: Bluemar Managing director Dr Shaun Meares, the new president of the Esperance Chamber of Commerce and Industry, with vice president and Compass Conveyancing director Meredith Schilling. Photo: Jesinta Burton.

Bluemar Managing director Dr Shaun Meares has taken on a new venture, being officially sworn in as the new president of the Esperance Chamber of Commerce and Industry during a committee meeting on December 6.

Since moving to the region and establishing the business four years ago, Dr Meares’ engineering consultancy has gone from strength to strength and now employs six locally-based engineers.

The company have also taken out a number of awards at the Chamber’s annual presentations, including ‘Best New Business’ in 2016 and ‘Best Small Business’ the following year.

Dr Meares joined the Esperance Chamber of Commerce and Industry two years ago, drawn to the organisation for the role it played as a voice for businesses in the region.

Following his appointment as president of the Chamber’s Executive Committee, Dr Meares said he was enthusiastic and saw the role as a privilege.

“The president role is a privilege,” he said.

“Members use the Chamber of Commerce to network, share information, and collectively address issues that affect business and the ongoing economic prosperity of the region.

“I’m lucky to be part of a strong executive team with a diverse set of skills and I want the Esperance Chamber of Commerce to continue to provide relevant business networking opportunities, strengthen regional businesses, and be a hub for business information within the region.”

With existing executives maintaining their position on the committee, including Pink Lake IGA owner and former president Ron Chambers, Dr Meares said he was grateful to be working alongside experienced members that could provide support.

With businesses in the region reporting internal challenges, Dr Meares said the committee were dedicated to developing tailored strategies to assist.

“Local businesses are reporting internal challenges such as staffing and marketing, as well as external factors like changes in consumer spending habits and changes to the way that their industries operate,” he said.

“The new executive committee will be forming strategies to target these challenges.

“Strong businesses provide jobs, opportunities for education and training, and support local clubs and programs.

“It is critically important to have a strong business community.”

Vice president and Compass Conveyancing director Meredith Schilling said the committee would hold their first general meeting in early February and planned to meet on a more regular basis